Where I'm From—Ted

Where I’m From
by Ted DeVirgilis


I am from a red and white bobber by the duck pond,
leaning on white birch.
I bring home perch and catfish
Pop cleans and grills them.

I ‘m from ricochet rifles
green cans of rations.
Our battalion jumps in foxholes
and looks for the enemy.

I am from church on Sunday
wearing plaid blazer and grandpa’s purple bow tie.
It makes me famous
like water is to fish.

I am from this pond
bobbing in the wake
alongside the divine creatures
waiting for the hook.